An armed robber pointed a gun at a cashier before making off with cash from a service station in Rugby.

The robber - wearing a black balaclava - struck at the Total garage, in Hillmorton Road, at about 10pm last night while a male cashier was counting the day?s takings.

Holding a black handgun, he ordered the cashier to hand over the cash, before making his escape.

It is not known in which direction the raider - thought to be in his teens - ran off, but a Warwickshire Police spokeswoman said he escaped with only a small quantity of cash.

She added: ?The cashier was shocked but otherwise unhurt by the incident.?

Describing the incident, the police spokeswoman said: ?The cashier at the garage had been starting to cash up the takings from the evening when he was approached by a man wearing a black balaclava which had holes cut for the eyes.

?The robber demanded money and we believe he was holding what has been described as a black handgun.?

She said the robber was aged about 18 but police had no other description.

Anyone with information is urged to phone Rugby CID on 01926 415000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.